Normally by starting the engine and putting in park while idling. Remove the transmission sip stick, wipe it clean, reinsert and remove and check the level. Make sure the engine and transmission is at operating temperature, and the car is sitting on a level surface. This is not true of ALL vehicles. Try looking in the owners manual for instructions, or it may be written on the dipstick.
manual trans plug is on drivers side about halfway up, automatic has the dipstick on the pass side near firewall.
For your manual transmission , I believe it is on the drivers side
For a 1994 Ford Ranger, the manufacturer's recommendation is DEXRON-MERCON automatic transmission fluid.
ATF
I know that a 1994 ranger with a manual trans. uses automatic trans. fluid
there is a small plug in the side of the tranny you need to take the plug out if you can see the fluid it is ok should be level with the hole.
I believe the manual transmission uses MERCON automatic transmission fluid
On a 1994 Ford Ranger : For transmission code " M " ( 5.6 U.S. pints of MERCON automatic transmission fluid is used in the 5 speed manual transmission , made by Mazda ) according to www . the ranger station . com ( no spaces )
There is a fill plug on the side of the 1994 Camaro transmission. Remove the plug to check the fluid. The fluid should be high enough to be just before running out of the plug hole.
For a 1994 Ford Ranger ( for North America ) The 5 speed manual transmission takes : ( 2.8 U.S. quarts of MERCON automatic transmission fluid )
Idling in neutral.
On a 1994 Ford Ranger : The 5 speed manual transmission takes ( 2.8 U.S. quarts of MERCON automatic transmission fluid ) ( transmission code " M " / Mazda )
Check for a vacuum module on the transmission. If you see a vacuum line between the transmission and engine, disconnect the line and look for transmission fluid inside the line. If you see transmission fluid in the line, replace the vacuum module. It probably has a split or damaged diaphragm inside.